| Signs
and Symptoms: |
| Healthy |
 |
Gums
have healthy pink colour |
|
Gum
line hugs teeth tightly |
|
No
bleeding |
| Gingivitis |
|
Gums
bleed easily when you brush or when probed gently during
examination |
|
Gums
are inflamed and sensitive to touch |
|
Possible
bad breath and bad taste |
|
Gums
between teeth may look bluish-red in colour |
| Early
Periodontitis |
|
Gums
may begin to pull away from the teeth |
|
Bleeding,
puffiness and inflammation more pronounced |
|
Bad
breath and bad taste |
|
Slight
loss of bone, horizontally on x-ray |
|
Pockets
of 3-4mm between teeth and gums in one or more areas
of the mouth |
| Moderate
Periodontitis |
|
Gum
boil or abscesses may develop |
|
Teeth
look longer as gums begin to recede |
|
Bad
breath, bad taste |
|
Both
horizontal and angular bone loss on x-rays |
|
Pockets
between teeth and gum range from 4-6mm deep |
| Advanced
Periodontitis |
|
Teeth
may become mobile or loose |
|
Bad
breath, bad taste are constant |
|
Roots
may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold |
|
Severe
horizontal and angular bone loss on x-ray |
|
Pockets
between teeth and gum now in excess of 6mm deep |
| |
|
|
The above picture is of a patient with advanced periodontitis |
| |
|
